Patents by Inventor Nathan L. Mashek

Nathan L. Mashek has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20230135083
    Abstract: A milling machine includes a frame, a plurality of wheels or track members coupled to the frame, a moldboard movably coupled to the frame, a first rotor, and a second rotor. The first rotor is rotatably coupled to the frame. The second rotor is positioned to the rear of the first rotor and rotatably coupled to the moldboard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2021
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Eric S. ENGELMANN, Dario SANSONE, Nathan L. MASHEK, Timothy J. STUROS, Jameson M. SMIEJA, Anthony Keng Yew LOW, Nicholas B. JOHNSON
  • Patent number: 11619013
    Abstract: A milling machine may have a frame extending along a longitudinal axis and a milling drum attached to the frame. The milling machine may have ground engaging tracks that support the frame, and height-adjustable leg columns connecting the frame to the tracks. The milling machine may also have an engine for rotating the milling drum and propelling the ground engaging tracks. The milling machine may have a slope sensor to measure a roll angle of the frame, a speed sensor to measure a ground speed, and a configuration sensor to measure a machine configuration parameter. The milling machine may also have an alarm device and a controller. The controller may determine a threshold roll angle based on the machine configuration parameter, compare the roll angle with the threshold roll angle, and activate the alarm device when the roll angle is greater than or equal to the threshold roll angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan L. Mashek, Dario Sansone, Nathaniel S. Doy
  • Publication number: 20230097927
    Abstract: A milling machine may have a frame extending along a longitudinal axis and a milling drum attached to the frame. The milling machine may have ground engaging tracks that support the frame, and height-adjustable leg columns connecting the frame to the tracks. The milling machine may also have an engine for rotating the milling drum and propelling the ground engaging tracks. The milling machine may have a slope sensor to measure a roll angle of the frame, a speed sensor to measure a ground speed, and a configuration sensor to measure a machine configuration parameter. The milling machine may also have an alarm device and a controller. The controller may determine a threshold roll angle based on the machine configuration parameter, compare the roll angle with the threshold roll angle, and activate the alarm device when the roll angle is greater than or equal to the threshold roll angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2021
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR PAVING PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Nathan L. MASHEK, Dario SANSONE, Nathaniel S. DOY
  • Publication number: 20220372716
    Abstract: A method for determining and monitoring output of a milling machine comprises sensing an operating parameter of a milling machine with a sensor, transmitting data from the sensor of the milling machine to an off-board location, determining a performance parameter of the milling machine from the data at the off-board location, transmitting the performance parameter to the milling machine, and displaying the performance parameter on a display screen of the milling machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2021
    Publication date: November 24, 2022
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan L. Mashek, Eric S. Engelmann
  • Patent number: 11203842
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a rotating drive component for a drive train, the rotating drive component comprising a first rotating element and a second rotating element, wherein the first rotating element and the second rotating element are arranged in a concentric arrangement such that the second rotating element is positioned within the first rotating element; and a shear element extending radially between and coupled to each of the first rotating element and the second rotating element, the shear element having a lower breaking strength than other components in the drive train, wherein if the shear element breaks, the first rotating element and the second rotating element are decoupled from each other and rotate independently of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Craig T. Hedstrom, Brian J. Schlenker, Nathan L. Mashek
  • Patent number: 11130448
    Abstract: Folding ladder assembly includes upper and lower ladder sections, and first, second, and third linkage assemblies. First linkage assembly includes at least a first linkage assembly linkage member. Second linkage assembly includes at least a second linkage assembly first linkage member pivotably coupled to upper and lower ladder sections. Third linkage assembly includes at least portions of the first linkage assembly linkage member and the second linkage assembly first linkage member. Movement of the first linkage assembly results in movement of the upper ladder section, the second linkage assembly, the third linkage assembly, and the lower ladder section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon Bares, Jason A. Haro, Nathan L. Mashek
  • Publication number: 20210138961
    Abstract: Folding ladder assembly includes upper and lower ladder sections, and first, second, and third linkage assemblies. First linkage assembly includes at least a first linkage assembly linkage member. Second linkage assembly includes at least a second linkage assembly first linkage member pivotably coupled to upper and lower ladder sections. Third linkage assembly includes at least portions of the first linkage assembly linkage member and the second linkage assembly first linkage member. Movement of the first linkage assembly results in movement of the upper ladder section, the second linkage assembly, the third linkage assembly, and the lower ladder section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon Bares, Jason A. Haro, Nathan L. Mashek
  • Publication number: 20210108684
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a rotating drive component for a drive train, the rotating drive component comprising a first rotating element and a second rotating element, wherein the first rotating element and the second rotating element are arranged in a concentric arrangement such that the second rotating element is positioned within the first rotating element; and a shear element extending radially between and coupled to each of the first rotating element and the second rotating element, the shear element having a lower breaking strength than other components in the drive train, wherein if the shear element breaks, the first rotating element and the second rotating element are decoupled from each other and rotate independently of each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2019
    Publication date: April 15, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Craig T. Hedstrom, Brian J. Schlenker, Nathan L. Mashek
  • Publication number: 20210071373
    Abstract: A milling machine can include a frame; a milling assembly including a drum housing; and a connecting assembly for mounting the drum housing to the frame, the connecting assembly including: a mounting member on one of the frame or the drum housing; and a locking mechanism fixed to the other one of the frame or the drum housing, the locking mechanism including a rotatable angled-plane pin configured to connect to the mounting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2019
    Publication date: March 11, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Colton J. Hirman, Nathan L. Mashek
  • Patent number: 10934670
    Abstract: A milling machine can include a frame; a milling assembly including a drum housing; and a connecting assembly for mounting the drum housing to the frame, the connecting assembly including: a mounting member on one of the frame or the drum housing; and a locking mechanism fixed to the other one of the frame or the drum housing, the locking mechanism including a rotatable angled-plane pin configured to connect to the mounting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Colton J. Hirman, Nathan L. Mashek
  • Patent number: 10794018
    Abstract: A milling assembly for a cold planer including a frame and an actuator assembly having a plurality of movable locking rods for mounting the milling assembly to the frame is disclosed. The milling assembly comprises a drum housing, and a plurality of mounting units fixed to the drum housing for mounting the milling assembly to the frame. The mounting units include a plurality of mounting holes configured to receive a respective end portion of one of the plurality of movable locking rods. In another embodiment, a milling assembly including an actuator assembly with movable locking rods is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Colton Hirman, Lucian Husar, Nathan L. Mashek, Jason Robert Bjorge
  • Patent number: 10543782
    Abstract: A machine includes a work implement and at least one camera arranged to capture a video image of a viewed area and provide a video signal related to the viewed area to a controller. The controller compiles a visual display in which the current position and a current direction of the work implement relative to the viewed area is displayed in real time. The controller also calculates a trajectory of the work implement based on machine speed and steering signals to compile a visual trajectory representation of the work implement relative to the viewed area, which is combined with the visual display into a combined visual representation that is presented to an operator through a video display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Laclef, Nathan L. Mashek
  • Publication number: 20190301111
    Abstract: A milling assembly for a cold planer including a frame and an actuator assembly having a plurality of movable locking rods for mounting the milling assembly to the frame is disclosed. The milling assembly comprises a drum housing, and a plurality of mounting units fixed to the drum housing for mounting the milling assembly to the frame. The mounting units include a plurality of mounting holes configured to receive a respective end portion of one of the plurality of movable locking rods. In another embodiment, a milling assembly including an actuator assembly with movable locking rods is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Colton Hirman, Lucian Husar, Nathan L. Mashek, Jason Robert Bjorge
  • Patent number: 10370804
    Abstract: A milling assembly for a cold planer including a frame and an actuator assembly having a plurality of movable locking rods for mounting the milling assembly to the frame is disclosed. The milling assembly comprises a drum housing, and a plurality of mounting units fixed to the drum housing for mounting the milling assembly to the frame. The mounting units include a plurality of mounting holes configured to receive a respective end portion of one of the plurality of movable locking rods. In another embodiment, a milling assembly including an actuator assembly with movable locking rods is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Colton Hirman, Lucian Husar, Nathan L. Mashek, Jason Robert Bjorge
  • Publication number: 20190210525
    Abstract: A machine includes a work implement and at least one camera arranged to capture a video image of a viewed area and provide a video signal related to the viewed area to a controller. The controller compiles a visual display in which the current position and a current direction of the work implement relative to the viewed area is displayed in real time. The controller also calculates a trajectory of the work implement based on machine speed and steering signals to compile a visual trajectory representation of the work implement relative to the viewed area, which is combined with the visual display into a combined visual representation that is presented to an operator through a video display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Publication date: July 11, 2019
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Laclef, Nathan L. Mashek
  • Patent number: 10309066
    Abstract: A control system, apparatus, and method for controlling operations of a milling machine are described. Data corresponding to a ventilation mode and a conveyor delay amount set by an operator of the milling machine is stored in memory. Control of transition of operation of the milling machine from a milling mode to a standby mode is according to a first predetermined sequence of operations responsive to a first input at a control panel of the milling machine. Further, control of transition of operation of the milling machine from the standby mode to the milling mode is according to a second predetermined sequence of operations, which is in reverse order relative to the first predetermined sequence of operations, in response to the first input at the control panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Tim J. Lindholm, Eric S. Engelmann, Nathan L. Mashek, Paul J. Koenen, Lee M. Hogan
  • Patent number: 10246940
    Abstract: An access ladder assembly for a machine includes a fixed section, a movable section, a biasing member, a locking member, and a release assembly. The fixed section includes a pair of guide members and a fixed step. The movable section is mounted on and is movable along the fixed section between extended and retracted positions. The movable section includes a pair of sidewalls, and at least one horizontal step and is biased towards the retracted position by the biasing member. The locking member locks the movable member at the extended position. The release assembly operates to release the locking member. A manually engagable actuator of the release assembly may be disposed adjacent the fixed step. The movable section may include rails that slide within a hollow portions of the guide members as the movable section moves between the extended and retracted positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Jason A. Haro, Nathan L. Mashek, Eric S. Engelmann
  • Patent number: 10036201
    Abstract: An access ladder assembly for a machine includes a fixed section, a movable section, a biasing member, a locking member, and a release assembly. The fixed section includes a pair of guide members and a fixed step. The movable section is mounted on and is movable along the fixed section between extended and retracted positions. The movable section includes a pair of sidewalls, and at least one horizontal step and is biased towards the retracted position by the biasing member. The locking member locks the movable member at the extended position. The release assembly operates to release the locking member. A manually engagable actuator of the release assembly may be disposed adjacent the fixed step. The movable section may include rails that slide within a hollow portions of the guide members as the movable section moves between the extended and retracted positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Jason A. Haro, Nathan L. Mashek, Eric S. Engelmann
  • Publication number: 20180127930
    Abstract: A control system, apparatus, and method for controlling operations of a milling machine are described. Data corresponding to a ventilation mode and a conveyor delay amount set by an operator of the milling machine is stored in memory. Control of transition of operation of the milling machine from a milling mode to a standby mode is according to a first predetermined sequence of operations responsive to a first input at a control panel of the milling machine. Further, control of transition of operation of the milling machine from the standby mode to the milling mode is according to a second predetermined sequence of operations, which is in reverse order relative to the first predetermined sequence of operations, in response to the first input at the control panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Tim J. LINDHOLM, Eric S. ENGELMANN, Nathan L. MASHEK, Paul J. KOENEN, Lee M. HOGAN
  • Publication number: 20180002876
    Abstract: A milling assembly for a cold planer including a frame and an actuator assembly having a plurality of movable locking rods for mounting the milling assembly to the frame is disclosed. The milling assembly comprises a drum housing, and a plurality of mounting units fixed to the drum housing for mounting the milling assembly to the frame. The mounting units include a plurality of mounting holes configured to receive a respective end portion of one of the plurality of movable locking rods. In another embodiment, a milling assembly including an actuator assembly with movable locking rods is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Colton Hirman, Lucian Husar, Nathan L. Mashek, Jason Robert Bjorge